Get married Thai style

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out a number of memorable and unique ways to “tie the knot” in the kingdom during this month of love, and is inviting couples from around the world to take part in celebrating their union or simply enjoy Valentine’s Day here.

TAT Governor, Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, said: “This year, Thailand and many charming Thai islands, such as, Phuket, Ko Samui and Ko Kut, have been voted as among the world’s top romantic and honeymoon destinations by several publications and the travelers themselves – a testament to the kingdom’s rich variety of stunning beaches, romantic landscapes and picturesque backdrops. People have been coming here for years to get married and enjoy honeymoons, and TAT is again helping them do this in ever more memorable ways.”

Thai-style wedding ceremony

Every February, many of Thailand’s romantic locations make a special effort to ensure that couples coming here to wed and celebrate their union have a romantic and memorable stay. People are attracted by the grace and style of the unique Thai culture and the country’s Buddhist traditions and the fact that the kingdom offers every modern indulgence, with everything from luxurious pool-villa accommodation to private jet travel and stunning local scenery. Among the memorable and unique Thai ways to get married and enjoy honeymoons during February 2015 are:

19th Underwater Wedding Ceremony in Trang (12-14 February)

Bridal couples will have the chance to plunge down the crystal-clear seas and have their marriage certificates signed underwater at Ko Kradan; experience the traditional Thai wedding ceremony of pouring lustral water at the Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi Monument, plant a tree of love at the Thung Khai Botanic Garden, join a parade through the colourfully-decorated city streets cheered by the townspeople, take a tuk-tuk ride around the town as well as join a lavish welcome reception and enjoy a live concert at the provincial Town Hall. Contact: TAT Trang Office, Tel: +66 (0) 597 259-60

‘Promise of Love’ in Suphan Buri (1-28 February)

The festival will be held at the Agricultural Promotion and Development Centre Suphan Buri (Plant Breeding) in Uthong District, Suphan Buri. This is where the Red Valentine Rose garden will be prepared in the Versailles style as part of the ‘promise of love’ affair. The red roses will be in bloom in time for Valentine’s Day, when group wedding ceremonies and marriage registration formalities are to be organised. Covering a large area of 380 rai, the centre is a paradise for flower lovers because they can see various kinds of flora which are researched and bred in the centre to promote cultivation among farmers. Flowers can also be purchased at an affordable price. Various festivals are held at the centre throughout the year. Contact: TAT Suphan Buri Office, Tel: +66 (0) 3552 5867

Wedding ceremony at the Red Lotus Sea, Udon Thani (14-15 February)

Bridal couples will be given consent to enter into marriage in a wrist-binding ceremony, unique to Thai-Isan culture. Marriage registration will be organised for the couples among millions of red lotus at the wetlands of Kum Pavapi Reservoir and Nong Han. Couples will also be treated to a specially-arranged city tour on a beautifully-decorated tram, and will have the chance to pay homage to Udon Thani’s holy beings. The Red Lotus Sea is an extremely romantic place for lovers, married couples and honeymooners. It is not only Udon Thani’s scenic tourist attraction, but has also been considered by CNN to be one of the world’s 15 most peculiar lakes. Contact: TAT Udon Thani Office, Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406-7

‘Pai Ruk Sut Khop Fa’ – Love on the Horizon (14-15 February)

This year marks the 7th edition of ‘Pai Rak Sut Khop Fa’ (Love on the Horizon) – the Valentine’s Day celebration at Pai district of Mae Hong Son. Couples will get the chance to enjoy a rally along the romantic route of Chiang Mai – Pai (Route1095) with fun activities and nice surprises en route. They will also have the opportunity to visit Santichon Yunnan Cultural Village China and taste the authentic Yunnan cuisine, stay overnight in four-star accommodation and join a wedding party as well as mini concert of love songs amid the romantic mountainous atmosphere. Pai is the most popular tourist destination in the Thai northernmost province of Mae Hong Son. The district is known for its serenity and picturesque mountainous scenery, and a wide range of accommodation from luxury resorts to budget hotels. Contact: TAT Mae Hong Son Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5361 2982.

Love Festival at Srinakarin Dam (13-14 February)

This special Valentine’s Day celebration is organised at the famous Srinakarin Dam on the Kwai Yai River, located in Si Sawat district, Kanchanaburi. It aims at attracting environmentally-conscious couples to take part in green and community-based activities; such as, a mini-walk rally and build check dams for villagers. To instill the love of nature and boost up the sense of environmental conservation among the participants, the national park also allows visitors to get into the Rajanurak Learning Centre and the Srinakarin Power Plant through a specially-organised educational tour programme. Couples with green hearts joining the event will also be hosted to a night’s accommodation at the park on Valentine’s Day. Contact: TAT Kanchanaburi Office, Tel: +66 (0) 3451 1200

Elephant-back Wedding Ceremony in Surin (13-14 February)

This is one of the most unique Siamese ways to get married. Known as the “Sut Tae” ritual, this sacred ceremony will be organised at the Elephant Study Centre in Tha Tum district, where on Valentine’s Day itself, the local people, (known as Kuai) will help couples wed in their traditional style. The grooms, clad in Thai silk, will sit atop a majestic elephant and ride with great pomp to greet their brides-to-be. When they join their grooms on top of their gigantic steed, a magnificent parade will take place as special ceremonies are performed to ensure a long and happy union. The marriage registration formalities will take place while the couples are on the elephants. Locals believe this way of getting married will ensure good fortune and prosperity to the couples for years to come. Contact: TAT Surin Office, Tel: +66 (0) 4451 4447